What makes a Hoak Rifle? | Kentucky Rifle Association

Jacob Hoak was listed as a freeholder gunsmith between 1809 and 1830 in Strasburg Township, Lancaster County. His name is spelled "Hoke" on tax lists of the time. The barrel is signed "Hoak" He worked during the Rev War area in Lancaster Borough, then moved to Strasburg Township around 1800. This rifle probably dates from that period. According to Hornberger and Kolar book "The Lancaster Longrifle", Jacob made locks for the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety during the Revolution. Jacob died in 1831.